Are Bucs looking at Miami DE Allen Bailey?

University of Miami defensive end Allen Bailey is among the players the Bucs have paid close attention to here at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala.

In fact, the Bucs conducted an interview with Bailey on Monday night, according to the player, with both general maanger Mark Dominik and coach Raheem Morris present. With the draft more than three months away, it's much too early to assume this means anything, but given the Bucs' glaring need at defensive end and the fact both Morris and Dominik watched Bailey up close for extended periods on Tuesday, it's not a stretch to think Bailey is a player the Bucs are closely evaluating. Bailey is projected by some as a first-round talent, while other prognostications paint him more as a second-rounder.

One of the things the Bucs and other teams will want to determine is how he will fare as a full-time pass rusher. Bailey was moved between end and tackle quite often at Miami, but after weighing in at 278 pounds on Monday, it's not likely he'll be viewed as a good fit to take on NFL interior offensive linemen.

But Bailey is determined to prove himself to NFL teams as the week goes on.

"I’ve been playing on the D line for three years, but I’ve been bouncing around a lot," he said. "I want to show my pass rush basically. I tried to keep it to one position (at Miami) but you have to help out where you have to help out. I know I have a bull (rush) but I’m trying to add a few other things to the arsenal. I’m switching things up a little bit."

As for the interview with the Bucs, Bailey thought it went well, for what that's worth.

Asked his impression of Morris, Bailey's face lit up.

"Man," he said, "he's really cool."



(tampabay.com)